Regresar al GuidesWhen you buy a new car, you have a lot of different choices to make. Between engine types, drive configurations, exterior style, and tech, it can be difficult to make a decision that will satisfy all your needs. However, one of the most important aspects of a new car is also one that is often overlooked. The material for the car seats in your new vehicle will dictate your comfort level when driving and the style of the vehicle as a whole. While leather is almost always going to be the higher-quality, longer-lasting choice, it may not be right for you. Whenever you are in the car, you will be sitting in the seats, so it is important to make the right choice at the dealership.
Generally, you will have a choice between leather seats and cloth seats when choosing a new or used car, depending on whether you get a higher trim level or a base model. There are upsides and downsides to both a leather interior and a cloth interior and it is important to know which will suit your personal preferences. Understanding what each one has to offer will help you choose the right type of seat for your vehicle’s interior.
Pros and Cons of Leather and Cloth Seats
Leather Seats
Pros
Stylish, high-end look
Comfort and back support
Durability over many years
Cons
More maintenance
Higher Price
Heat absorption in hot weather
Cloth Seats
Pros
Lower price
Easier to clean
Free of animal products
Cons
Susceptible to rips and tears
Cheaper look
Less support on long drives
Leather vs Cloth Seats - What to Consider
When choosing between leather car seats and cloth car seats, there are a lot of different factors that you need to consider. How you make the decision will depend heavily on the factors that are the most important to you. Your car interior will dictate how the vehicle feels when you drive and also what it says about you and your proclivity for high-end items. Knowing how each of these interior types compares in different categories will allow you to make the most educated decision possible.
Cost
The cost of both of the car seat materials will play a big part in whether or not one is more suited for you than the other. Sometimes, when you buy big-ticket, highline luxury vehicles, they will come equipped with genuine leather upholstery, even at the lower trim levels. In these cases, you will already be spending quite a bit of money on the vehicle and won’t have to worry about spending more just to get leather upholstery. However, if you are buying a more economical vehicle, such as a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, there will be an additional cost if you want real leather seat covers, which may or may not be worth it to you.
When the difference between fabric seats or a leather option is fairly high, you should truly consider how much it is worth to you. If you decide that you want to add aftermarket leather seats to a vehicle at a later date, you could end up paying around $2,500 to do so. It may be cheaper to get the higher-quality seats at the dealership right when you buy the vehicle. If you are not someone who has a preference in your seating material, fabric seats may be fine for you and they will certainly be much cheaper.
Maintenance
You also need to consider maintenance when deciding between cloth upholstery and high-quality leather. With cloth seats, there is much less maintenance to do and you don’t have to be nearly as careful about spilling liquids, which can cause serious damage to leather seats. Should something get spilled on cloth seats, they can be easily shampooed and cleaned with water. However, they will also be much less durable than leather and more likely to develop rips and tears, which are not going to be as easily fixable.
One of the biggest cons of leather seats is that they can be difficult to keep in good condition, especially if you have young family members who may not be as careful as you would like. If you have to clean leather, you need to use a specialized leather cleaner and be very meticulous about the way you do it, which is not something everyone has time for. That being said, leather is otherwise very durable and will be more resistant to physical damage like rips and holes.
Climate
You should always consider the climate in your area when deciding between leather and cloth upholstery. If, for example, you live in a place with hot weather, black leather may be a bad choice. When leather is in direct sunlight during a hot summer, it can get extremely hot and may not be very comfy on bare skin if you are wearing shorts. Even in cold weather, leather will not be very comfortable unless you have seat warmers. Knowing what the weather is like in your area and what your preferences are for how your car seats feel will help you make the best decision.
It is also important to remember that cloth seats are going to be a lot more porous than leather, which can be a serious problem if you have allergies. Cloth seats are much more likely to absorb allergens and dander as well as dust and other debris. This can cause issues for people who are sensitive to contaminants and will require much more frequent cleaning than leather seats. If you live in an area with a high pollen count and you know you have allergies, leather may be your best option.
Aesthetics
One of the biggest differences between leather and cloth seats is the way each of them looks. There is no doubt that leather seats have a high-end look that feels natural in luxury vehicles made by automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, they can also take a simpler vehicle and increase its appeal, even if the car itself is nothing special. Genuine and even faux leather will usually make a car feel more high-quality and give you an overall better experience when you are driving.
Cloth seats, while generally practical, do not have the same high-end feel that leather has. They tend to look and feel cheaper, while also being more susceptible to physical damage. Ripped or stained cloth seats will bring down the appeal of a vehicle as it ages and this will most likely not be as big of a problem with leather seats. Knowing what your goals are and how important it is for your car to look its best will help you decide if paying extra for leather seats will be worth it.
Comfort
Comfort should be a major consideration for any new car buyer. This is especially true if you are a commuter or if you regularly take your vehicle on longer trips where you will be in the driver’s seat for many hours. Cloth seats simply do not offer the level of support and comfort that leather seats can. After several years, cloth seats will start to sink and stretch, which can cause serious problems if you spend a lot of time driving. Poor back support and bad ergonomics can make driving your car incredibly uncomfortable. Leather seats, though, are much more durable and will mold to the shape of your body rather than stretch out. This can make for a comfortable driving experience for many, many years.
There are some factions of people who think that leather is not nearly as comfortable as cloth upholstery. However, this usually comes from experiences with leather seats in older cars. New, top-grain Nappa leather, which is made from sheep hide, is much different and much more accommodating than the old versions of leather seats. Before you decide that you don’t like leather seats, be sure to try them out in a newer vehicle with the latest materials so you can see if your opinion changes.
Availability
You may have your choice between leather and cloth seats made for you depending on the availability of each in particular models. Not every vehicle is going to have leather upholstery as an option, especially if the vehicle is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to the price or if it is used. You may also find that a vehicle only comes with faux leather instead of real leather. Many automakers, such as Tesla and BMW, are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and make their vehicles more sustainable. This means that genuine leather may or may not be available with the car of your choice.
Ethics
For some people, the ethical implications of buying a car with leather seats will be a big consideration. Vegetarians and vegans may have issues with leather upholstery that other people may not think twice about. If you are someone who cares about where the materials in your car come from, cloth is going to be your best option. However, there are some fake leather options, such as BMW’s Sensatec, that are incredibly high-quality. Exploring your options with the dealership will help you find something that you can feel good about morally while still getting the durability and longevity of leather seating.
Personal Style
When deciding between cloth or leather for your vehicle’s interior, it is going to boil down to your own personal preference and style. Leather seats have a very distinct look that gives off a specific feel. This may or may not fit with your personal style and if you are someone who prefers the look of something less flashy or high-end, cloth seats are going to be just fine for you. If you know what your style is and what kind of look you are going for with your vehicle, one or the other is going to work best for you.
Deciding between cloth and leather seats will also depend on how you want to feel when you get in your car. If you like the feeling, look, and smell of leather, it may be well worth the extra cost to get that every time you get behind the wheel. If, however, you prefer the more understated and simple look of cloth seats, it may be a better idea to save the money and put it into other areas of the car such as with safety equipment packages or driver assistance technology.
Final Thoughts
When buying a new car, you will be presented with a lot of choices, some of which will be easier to make than others. Choosing between leather and cloth seats is an important decision and one that is fairly specific to your personal tastes and preferences. However, leather seats are almost always going to be the most durable, tasteful, stylish, and comfortable option, especially if you are buying a new car with top-of-the-line, modern leather. Having a good idea of what your needs are will help you choose wisely and enjoy your new vehicle for a long time.
